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NHL BOG Ratifies CBA, Bettman Issues Apology

January 9th, 2013 at 6:26 PM By Frank Vajcner

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed the media today in New York. The presser in it's entirety can be viewed here.

Before Bettman addressed the media, Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs, the chairman of the NHL Board of Governors, issued a statement. Jacobs said that the new CBA passed unanimously with a 30-0 vote.

"Hockey has been gone for too long. For that we are sorry." Jacobs said on behalf of the owners. "There is no doubt that we love this game."

Bettman began his speech by apologizing to the players, sponsors, and fans.

"To the players who were very clear they wanted to be on the ice and not negotiating labor contracts, to our partners who support the league financially and personally, and most importantly to our fans, who love and have missed NHLhockey, I'm sorry." Bettman said.

"I know that an explanation or an apology will not erase the hard feelings that have built up over the past few months but I owe you an apology nevertheless."

With the CBA ratified by all 30 owners, the NHLPA now has to vote. They will begin voting electronically Friday, and 740 votes for approval are needed. Voting is expected to end by Saturday, with training camps set to open Sunday.

The regular season schedules will not be released until the CBA is ratified by the NHLPA. With the puck set to drop January 19, there will also be no exhibition games.

Six players have had their jersey numbers retired by the organization. (Sid Abel, #12; Gordie Howe, #9; Ted Lindsay, #7; Terry Sawchuk, #1; Alex Delvecchio, #10; and Steve Yzerman, #19.) Nicklas Lidstrom will be the next in line to have his number 5 raised to the rafters.